incense
1 of 3noun
in·cense ˈin-ˌsen(t)s 
1
: material used to produce a fragrant odor when burned
2
: the perfume exhaled from some spices and gums when burned
broadly : a pleasing scent
3
: pleasing attention : flattery
incense
2 of 3verb (1)
in·cense ˈin-ˌsen(t)s
incensed; incensing
transitive verb
1
: to apply or offer incense to
2
: to perfume with incense
incense
3 of 3verb (2)
in·cense in-ˈsen(t)s
incensed; incensing
transitive verb
1
: to arouse the extreme anger or indignation of
2
archaic : to cause (a passion or emotion) to become aroused
Synonyms
Noun
- aroma
- attar
- otto
- balm
- bouquet
- fragrance
- fragrancy
- perfume
- redolence
- scent
- spice
Verb (1)
- odorize
- perfume
- scent
Verb (2)
- anger
- enrage
- inflame
- enflame
- infuriate
- ire
- mad
- madden
- outrage
- rankle
- rile
- roil
- steam up
- tick off
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
Noun the heavenly incense of spring flowers count on the office manager to spread the incense whenever there's a visiting VIP from the head office
Word History
Etymology
Noun
Middle English encens, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin incensum, from Latin, neuter of incensus, past participle of incendere to set on fire, from in- + -cendere to burn; akin to Latin candēre to glow — more at candid
Verb (2)
Middle English encensen, probably from Latin incensus, past participle of incendere to set on fire, provoke
First Known Use
Noun
13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Verb (1)
13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Verb (2)
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2
Phrases Containing incense
Kids Definition
incense 1 of 2
noun
in·cense ˈin-ˌsens
: material used to produce a strong and pleasant smell when burned
incense
2 of 2verb
in·cense in-ˈsens
incensed; incensing
: to make very angry
… the cabin party were incensed at me for my desertion …
Robert Louis Stevenson, Treasure Island
Robert Louis Stevenson, Treasure Islandincense 1 of 3
noun
1
as in scent
a sweet or pleasant smell the heavenly incense of spring flowers Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- scent
- fragrance
- aroma
- perfume
- fragrancy
- attar
- balm
- spice
- bouquet
- redolence
- otto
- odor
- essence
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- stench
- stink
- reek
- fetor
- malodor
2
as in butter
excessive praise count on the office manager to spread the incense whenever there's a visiting VIP from the head office Synonyms & Similar Words
- butter
- praise
- taffy
- flattery
- worship
- adoration
- sweet talk
- adulation
- soft soap
- flannel
- respects
- caresses
- acclaim
- idolatry
- blarney
- greetings
- compliments
- applause
- endearments
- overpraise
- blandishments
- regards
- allurements
- congratulations
- cajolery
- sycophancy
- felicitations
- fawning
- ingratiation
- toadying
- cajolement
- smarm
- commendation
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- disparagement
- depreciation
- detraction
- belittlement
- bad-mouthing
- put-down
incense
2 of 3verb (1)
as in to anger
to make angry the insult so incensed him that he had to be restrained from hitting the guy Synonyms & Similar Words
- anger
- infuriate
- enrage
- outrage
- annoy
- ire
- irritate
- offend
- steam up
- enflame
- nettle
- rile
- mad
- roil
- madden
- cross
- tick off
- inflame
- huff
- get
- affront
- ruffle
- provoke
- rankle
- rub the wrong way
- put out
- antagonize
- aggravate
- peeve
- exasperate
- get one's goat
- pique
- miff
- vex
- envenom
- embitter
- burn (up)
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- please
- delight
- relieve
- comfort
- gratify
- assuage
- soothe
- appease
- placate
- allay
- console
- charm
- calm
- pacify
- quiet
- conciliate
- mollify
- settle
- lull
- bewitch
- enchant
- disarm
- beguile
- captivate
incense
3 of 3verb (2)
as in to scent
to fill or infuse with a pleasant odor or odor-releasing substance the gift shop was heavily incensed with a cloying mixture of herbal essences Synonyms & Similar Words
- scent
- perfume
- odorize
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- deodorize
- stink up
- North Africa
- North African
- North America
- north american
- North American Indian
- North Andover
- North Arabic
- north at
- north atlantic bottlenose whale
- North Atlantic Oscillation
- North Atlantic right whale
- North Atlantic Treaty Organization
- north attleboro
- North Attleborough
- North Ayrshire
- North Bay
- north borneo
- North Brabant
- North Briton
- north by east
- north by west
- North Canadian
- north cape
- North Cape
- North Carolina